"I think that there's a wide gulf in between Mr. Harper's objectives and the objectives of First Nations leadership,” said Nepinak. “I look at the gesture as little more than an exercise in political expedience. It's intended I think to maintain the status quo as well as to maintain the power structures that be.”

At next week’s meeting, the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs will be pushing for an increased share of resources developed in the province, Nepinak said.